Shiv Sena(UBT) meets Lok Sabha Speaker,amid split speculation. (Image Internet)
New Delhi: After the rebellion within the Trinamool Congress parliamentary faction, speculation has intensified over the possibility of a similar split in the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) parliamentary group. In a move seen as a precautionary step, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday and urged him to uphold constitutional norms amid reports of possible defections.
Political circles have been abuzz with speculation that some MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) camp are exploring the formation of a separate parliamentary faction. While the rumours have gained traction in recent days, the party has strongly denied that any formal move toward a split is underway.
The developments come at a time when opposition parties are closely watching internal dynamics within regional political outfits.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in New Delhi to formally communicate the party's concerns regarding any potential recognition of a breakaway group within Parliament.
Sawant submitted a note to the Speaker, requesting that any future decision regarding the party's parliamentary status be taken strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions and parliamentary rules.
In his representation, Sawant stressed that no member of the party has officially declared an intention to leave Shiv Sena (UBT). Therefore, he argued, any claim seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary group would have no legal basis.
"There is no provision under the law to grant recognition to a splinter group. The law only permits the merger of a political party with another. A group cannot be recognised independently," Sawant told reporters after the meeting.
He also urged the Speaker not to extend any independent status, privileges or special facilities to any faction claiming to represent the party.
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, who accompanied Sawant during the meeting, described the interaction as positive. He said the party had requested the Speaker to follow the rule book and constitutional provisions while dealing with any such matter.
According to Raut, Speaker Om Birla assured the delegation that any decision would be taken only after a thorough examination of constitutional provisions, parliamentary procedures and relevant legal norms.
